Joanna James
The thing about Sri Lanka is that for a small island it is filled to the brim with so many different experiences that you can enjoy be it the delicious local cuisine, a plethora of wildlife and some of the friendliest and charming people in the world. Here are some things to know before you go.
Sri Lanka is relatively safe to travel. Despite a war-torn past, it has come far from those times despite having a few hiccups on the way. Tragically, in 2019, Islamic extremists bombed several luxury hotels and churches in the commercial capital of Colombo. But within the year all the perpetrators were caught or killed in action. Sri Lanka also handled the COVID19 pandemic quite efficiently with less than a dozen deaths. The country is slowly opening up and it would be a great opportunity to take advantage of and explore. If you are a woman travelling alone, be mindful of unnecessary attention.
When travelling in Sri Lanka using public transport, tourists are often recommended trains where possible instead of buses, though bus journeys have their colour and charm. The reason for this is that while it is more comfortable, the rail system in Sri Lanka is set in a way where you can get some of the best views of the country, simply by hanging out your window on the way. There are only very few railway lines so you can't go everywhere. But whenever you can, opt for a train journey where possible.
Buses in the meantime are a great way to experience locals going about their business and if you want to explore the country from a local's POV this is the way to go. Keep in mind that it will be crowded and raucous but that is part of the charm.
Sri Lankans are extremely friendly. From people you meet on the street, to your tour driver to the staff at hotels like Mandarina Colombo Hotel; the smiles will be wide. In very few cases are these smiles not genuine. Especially if you are in the outskirts of the cities, you will find that people are very helpful and friendly and will go out of their way. There are no ulterior motives, it's that Sri Lankan hospitality you have heard so much about.
Whenever you can eat local food at local shops. Sri Lankan food is versatile with many great options for vegans and utterly delicious. You can always ask for the spice level to be contained if you can't handle it. From the corner shop to a business hotel in Colombo, Sri Lankan food is always a winner.
Sri Lanka is home to a wide variety of wildlife from deer to the elephants to leopards and sloth bears. Adding a safari to your list of things to do in Sri Lanka is a must.
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